Life lessons for managing your money

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You got your diploma, moved out of your dorm or college apartment and are starting a new chapter in your life. One hopes you're earning a nice fat paycheck, too. What a great feeling.

If you want to be able to hang on to some of the cash, spend a night setting up a budget. Like many things in life, if you're willing to put forth the effort, you will reap the rewards. So, by developing a spending plan for your paychecks, you'll know exactly how much cash you can play with and how much to save. It makes life much easier.

Bankrate.com has the lowdown on managing your money after college -- from budgeting and getting the most from your paycheck, to paying back your student loans and establishing credit.

Compiled by Dena Dubay, Dani Arthur, Amy Fleitas and Myra Cristobal. Illustrations by Brandy Kesl.